Five for Friday: Lazy Days Edition

I came to the sad realization today that my summer is basically over...even though I don't *officially* report back until the 15th, we are allowed back into our classrooms on the 4th, which means next week I will be renting a UHaul figuring out how to cram all the things I bought this summer into my car and getting to work. My classroom has new tile to go with my fresh new paint job, so I'm excited to get in there and set up!

Here's what happened during the 25% of this week that I didn't devote to napping, reading, or eating junk food...

I am participating in a Back to School Tips Blog Hop and Giveaway! You can enter to win a $25 TpT gift card from each of the 6 bloggers participating! Perfect for all those Wish List items you want to grab before school starts.

My post was all about increasing parent involvement in your classroom:

Make sure to check it out before the giveaway ends on Sunday!

This is a wonderful book that I stumbled upon while browsing the YA selections on the library app for my Kindle. Mockingbird is narrated by Caitlin, a 5th grade student with Asperger's struggling in the aftermath of a family tragedy. The author, Kathryn Erskine, did an amazing job of portraying the unique way a student such as Caitlin views the world, and is at once both heartbreaking and uplifting- for every time I felt tears coming on, there were at least two times where I would burst out laughing at Caitlin's observations on life. It really made me think of how important it is to phrase things clearly when working with students in this population, and to be much more aware of my posture and the tone of my voice. I would urge all classroom teachers to read this book...it can be read in one or two sittings and provides a lot of insight into the minds of students on the higher end of the spectrum.

Speaking of things I love...is anyone else watching this HBO series? It is SO. FLIPPING. GOOD. If you like crime shows, murder mysteries, and especially if you were into the Serial podcast, do yourself a favor and start watching!

If you watch already...he's going to save the cat, right? HE HAS TO SAVE THE CAT!

Meet my newest office supply obsession...

These labels are quite popular in the scrapbooking and bujo worlds because you can use them to easily make your own stickers. I have been using them for notebook labels so that I can size and shape them however I want. I was worried it would be hard to peel the labels off after I cut them, but there are tiny slits on the backing that make the peeling part easy.

I have an idea in mind for how to use these in my students' morning journals...I'll be sure to show you the finished project once I work out the kinks!

The paint look amazing in your room! I have two shelves in my room that I want painted. The problem is that I don't actually want to paint them myself! I think your fresh new look might help me get motivated. Maybe. Thanks for the book recommendation!JanLaughter and Consistency

Getting more support from parents is on all of our minds at the beginning of a new year. It has been challenging because so many are just in survival mode. I will check out your five ways😀 Have a great school year.Janet